Yamaha P-120 Piano: Graded Hammer (NOT key) dysfunction?

Hi all,

I've been enjoying playing on my P-120 for 4 years (not intensive), and the past weekend, suddenly, the piano lost most of its ''Graded Hammer'' functionality.
I mean now my P-120 plays & sounds like a basic keyboard (such as Yamaha's DGX series). I would say it lost 80% of its GH ability, i.e. it's just like most of keys are much lighter now (except top right & left keys, which remain OK)..;
I opened the piano: everything looks fine, i.e. mechanism seems OK, no key is broken...
I emailed Yamaha, they just said... ''well, bring your piano to a Yamaha support center, we cannot help you by email...''

Any thoughts on my issue?

My warrantee has expired... and I would prefer avoiding buying the new P-155 at €1300...
Thanks for your help !

1 Answer

An expert who has finished #1 on the weekly Top 10 Fixya Experts Leaderboard.

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

Yamaha Master

3,113 Answers

Re: Yamaha P-120 Piano: Graded Hammer (NOT key)...

My opinion is you should take the instrument to a yamaha authorized service center.. It's doubtful this will be user serviceable, particularly if the problem isn't on all the keys, and the service center will have access to the parts needed as well as more information from Yamaha than they will share with an end user.

3 Suggested Answers

Hi,
A 6ya expert can help you resolve that issue over the phone in a minute or two.
Best thing about this new service is that you are never placed on hold and get to talk to real repairmen in the US.
The service is completely free and covers almost anything you can think of (from cars to computers, handyman, and even drones).click here to download the app (for users in the US for now) and get all the help you need. Good luck!

Tell us some more! Your answer needs to include more details to help people.You can't post answers that contain an email address.Please enter a valid email address.The email address entered is already associated to an account.Login to postPlease use English characters only.

Attachments: Added items

Related Questions:

You will need to gain access to the keybed, remove screw from back of keybed the fix it to the base of the keyboard. Slide the keybed back making a gap of about 2cm at the front of the keybed.

Look at the back of the key towards where it pivots and you will see a small arrow, push something like a credit card between the keys at this point and the key will pop up, you can then slide forward releasing the key.

A YDP uses the same key type as a basic Yamaha Clavinova. As you have stripped the keyboard to reveal the keys take a look at the end where the key hinges. There will be an arrow pointing to one side. You will need to remove att the screws holding the key base (black plastic ) to the wooden base. Slide the whole keyboard back a couple of inches, push down where the arrow points between the keys, the offending key will pop up. Slide forward and jiggle out. Replace key. reassemble. If the tag on the back of the old key has snapped off remove the piece of debris that might be there before refitting.

In a word, NO. They simulate weighted keys by adding spring force and inertial weights. It gives a more realistic feel, however it is stiffer, more like an acoustic piano. You will develop strength and get used to them... If you have been used to playing some synths that are not hammer weighted these keys will seem very springy.

I am sure it can be repaired. First thing is to check the power supply. Here is a servuice manual for a CLP380... You did not mention the modelk number of your unit. I may be able to find exact manual.

The graded action is only that there are different counterweights on the various keys. They are a sort of "J" shaped pieces of steel that vary in length. I don''t know how the graded part could stop working, as they just vary the key "feel" across the keyboard. Are you saying this key "feel" has been lost?

The Korg SV188 has stunning realism in the Grand Piano arena. It uses a 12AX7 tube in the preamp output for that classic analog warmth lacking in so many garden market digital stage pianos these days. It has weighted hammer action and carries a price tag of $1,699.00 at American Musical Supply.com They even throw in a extra years coverage at no cost. The Yamaha MOXF6 88 key (same price) is another fine grand piano that wont disappointed but be prepared for a large learning curve learning all the rest of it functions, there are plenty to chose from. Roland wins hands down with its RD300nx, $1,799.00 and the RD700NX $2,699.00 simply the best digital stage pianos money can buy . Look up the specs at AMS